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LANSING, Mich. (AP) - A new Michigan law is coming that increases the penalties against drunken drivers.

The law that takes effect Sunday creates a new "high blood-alcohol content" or "Super Drunk" category for drivers. The law roughly doubles many penalties for motorists with a blood-alcohol content of .17 - more than twice the legal limit.

Such drivers could face up to 180 days in jail - increased from 93 - and a one-year license suspension - up from six months.

A suspended motorist can drive with restrictions after 45 days, but he must have a device installed in his vehicle that prevents it from starting if it measures a blood-alcohol level of at least .025.

“Super drunk” means having a bodily alcohol content of 0.17 or more grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood, per 210 liters of breath, or per 67 milliliters of urine. Convicted super drunk drivers face stiffer penalties, including a one-year breath alcohol ignition interlock requirement, higher fines and costs, and possibly more jail time. (Michigan Bar Journal, March 2010)

The law coincides with drunken driving enforcement on and around Halloween.

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Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning 

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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